The Masonic Village Hospice team is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of life attainable for their patients, no matter where they may be on life’s journey.
Through the Special Moments program, hospice staff are able to do something meaningful for patients by making their end-of-life wishes come true, whether it be taking a golf cart ride around campus, going fishing or attending a family wedding.
Sonni Boyer, certified nursing assistant

Sonni Boyer
Sonni once accompanied a patient to a wedding so he could experience being with family and friends on their special day.
“One of the social workers asked if anyone could drive a patient [to a wedding] in the Masonic Village van, and I volunteered since I don’t work weekends,” she said. “We drove 1 ½ hours, and I took him to the family for pictures, sat with him and helped him eat. The family really enjoyed [him being there], and appreciated it.”
The man passed away a week later, after being with his family one final time.
The joy on the faces of patients and families who experience a special moment is one of the best feelings in the world and something you can’t describe in words, Sonni shared. When she looks back at these moments, she still gets emotional.
“There’s a sense of gratitude and thankfulness to be a part of something I take for granted, like going shopping, attending a wedding, having a birthday cake or a delicious dinner,” she said. “It really is the little things you don’t realize are big things in the eyes of our patients. Knowing they are on this end-of-life journey, and we’re making a difference by doing something small, it definitely makes me tear up.”
The special moments are unique because they are catered to each patient’s specific needs or requests upon admission. The team bands together to brainstorm ideas for things to do for their terminal patients.
“Our team is dedicated to personalizing each request from our patients and their families, and it’s a rewarding part of our careers,” Sonni said. “When we are surrounded by death and sorrow daily, seeing joy and happiness through this program makes it all worth it.
“I’ve worked for different hospices, and I’ve never heard of this type of program. I’ve never seen another hospice go above and beyond like Masonic Village Hospice does.”
Heidi M. Young, MSW, hospice bereavement coordinator

Heidi Young
“Some special moments I’ve been a part of included painting a person’s nails, giving them their favorite snack or ice cream, sending flowers for birthdays or anniversaries, golf cart rides to visit friends and watching the Eagles game in honor of a loved one.
“The special moments program honors the person and gives us a glimpse of who these people are,” she said. “It puts us outside of our grief for a moment and allows us to celebrate their lives. It gives the person permission to find some happiness during a difficult time.
“It does not matter whether the special moment is big or small, as long as it’s just a beautiful gesture for patients and families to make them feel special,” she said. “It allows them to celebrate themselves and not be defined by their death, hospice admission, diagnosis, terminal illness or grief.”
Sara E. Jones, hospice RN case manager

Sara Jones
“I only started in February, but one of my favorite moments is taking a patient out for his 90th birthday to Red Lobster because his favorite food is seafood,” she said.
“I like to be part of special moments because it gives our patients a feeling of normalcy. Sometimes, they don’t have family to take them places, but we as staff are able to give them that experience.
“I feel joy and pure happiness when I think of these special moments. To take patients out and spoil them is an honor. To be part of what could be their last favorite thing they remember … the smile on their face makes it all worthwhile. Just because you’re on hospice doesn’t mean you don’t deserve joy and to feel loved and appreciated.”
Kevin Jacoby, social worker

Kevin Jacoby
“We were blessed to take one of our patients to a Phillies game, and our trip also included driving through his old neighborhood. The Phillies also honored his service in WWII by putting his name on the scoreboard, and he enjoyed a pepperoni pizza and a beer. It was a great day for him, one he talked about right up to his death, and we were honored to be along with him!
“Being able to provide opportunities for celebrations and new memories is an honor and a blessing,” he added. “It’s admittedly difficult to work in hospice at times, as the focus is on end of life. But these special moments allow us to focus on the ‘of life’ part and bring additional joy to our patients and their families.
“They are often very surprised that we’re able to provide these opportunities, and they typically express a deep sense of appreciation. These celebrations are often the last ones our patients will experience, and it is very humbling to be a part of them.”